What are the ingredients in Metamucil?

A:

Quick Answer

Metamucil is comprised of four main ingredients: sucrose, psyllium husk, citric acid and Yellow 6, according to Drugs.com. Metamucil also contains both natural and artificial orange flavors, although the exact ingredients of the artificial orange flavor are not specified in the list of ingredients.

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The active ingredient in Metamucil is psyllium husk. Undigested psyllium husk is a natural fiber that helps eliminate waste in the colon by absorbing water and expanding in order to enlarge the colon and soften the stool, states Drugs.com. This process effectively speeds waste through the digestive tract in order to relieve constipation.

Sucrose is a form of sugar derived from either sugarcane or sugar beets, and it is used as a sweetener in Metamucil, according to its website. Citric acid is a natural acid that is found in many common fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. Citric acid has a naturally sour taste, which is why it is commonly used to flavor foods. Metamucil uses citric acid to obtain the natural orange flavoring. Due to its acid content, citric acid is also a very effective preservative for Metamucil. Yellow 6 is the final ingredient in Metamucil, and it contains no known health benefits. Yellow 6 is merely a food coloring used to make Metamucil orange in color.